Screening of Magnesium, Potassium and Calcium Status among Sulfur Mustard Inducing Chronic Small Airway Diseases

Background: Magnesium is an abundant intracellular divalent cation, and has significant efficacy on the respiratory system. Its homeostasis links with calcium and potassium electrolytes. Small airway diseases (SAD) of the lung can be induced among sulfur mustard gas-exposed victims(SM). The purpose of the present study was to determine status of magnesium, calcium and potassium among SM victims in Iran. Method: The current study followed design of the protocol. Victims of the SM gas-exposed were sequentially enrolled among patients with defined criteria of SAD. Results: A total of 145 victims completed criteria of the study. Means of total Mg, Ca and K serum concentrations were 1.96 ± 0.2 SD, 9.42 ± 0.53 SD and 4.16 ± 0.36SD, respectively. Frequency of hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia and hypokalemia was found 16.6%, 9.7% and4.8%, respectively. Conclusion: Noticeable deficiency of magnesium, calcium and potassium was disclosed among sulfur mustard-induced chronic SAD. Evaluation of recent electrolytes improves the outcome management of SAD.